There’s something about mornings that feels different to me now.
When I was younger, mornings were all routine — wake up, get out the door, race into the day without thinking twice.
But now, in this stage of life, mornings have become something more meaningful. They’ve become the quiet space where I can breathe, reset, and remind myself why I’m choosing not to retire.
These peaceful moments before the rest of the world gets loud have become the anchor for my day.
They remind me of what really matters — purpose, gratitude, energy, and presence.
And the more I’ve leaned into intentional mornings, the more I’ve realized how powerful they are in helping me stay grounded, calm, and connected.
So today, I want to share a few simple morning practices that have been making a difference in my life. Nothing complicated. Nothing that requires equipment or a special routine. Just small, steady habits that help me stay centered and grateful as I move through the day.
Starting With Silence: Giving Your Mind Room to Breathe
I used to wake up and instantly think about work, schedules, tasks, or whatever problem needed solving at the University of Mary.
But over time, I’ve learned that if I immediately fill my mind with noise, I miss the peace that mornings naturally offer.
Now, I start with silence.
I sit on the edge of the bed, breathe slowly, and let my mind settle before the day begins. No phone, no news, no rushing.
That first minute or two of quiet does something powerful:
It shifts my focus away from all the things I “have to do” and back toward the things I want to feel — calm, purpose, gratitude, and strength.
It’s a small practice, but it has changed how I approach everything that comes afterward.
A Simple Gratitude Pause: What’s Good Right Now?
Gratitude might sound like a buzzword, but the older I get, the more I realize how grounding it really is.
My gratitude practice is simple:
Before I start any part of my day, I ask myself one question—
“What’s good in my life right now?”
Some mornings the answer is big — like having a job I enjoy, working with college athletes who keep me young, or being healthy enough to stay active.
Other days, the answer is small — like coffee brewing in the kitchen, sunlight on the wall, or the quiet hum of a morning where nothing hurts and nothing is rushed.
But it doesn’t matter whether the gratitude is big or small.
What matters is that I take the moment to notice it.
Gratitude softens the edges of everything.
It’s hard to be stressed or worried when you take a second to appreciate what you have, even if it’s just the breath in your lungs.
Movement Before Momentum: Waking Up the Body
Staying active is important to me — partly because of my job, but mostly because I want to live long enough and strong enough to enjoy these years.
But I don’t jump into heavy workouts first thing in the morning.
Instead, I start with light movement.
Some mornings it’s a slow stretch.
Sometimes it’s walking through the house or down the block.
Sometimes it’s five minutes of balance drills or loosening up my back and legs.
This isn’t about burning calories or building muscle — it’s about waking up my body gently and reminding myself that movement is a privilege.
The older I get, the more I’m aware of how important mobility is.
And starting with simple movement helps me feel grounded in my physical strength before the day gets busy.
A Moment With Faith or Reflection
Not everyone needs a spiritual practice, but for me, having a quiet moment to reflect — whether it’s prayer, scripture, or simply sitting with thoughts — gives me a kind of peace I don’t get anywhere else.
This isn’t about rules or religion.
It’s about grounding my spirit, reminding myself that there is something bigger than me guiding my life, and feeling a deeper connection to purpose.
Some people meditate, others journal, others sit in silence — and all of those count.
The point is to take a moment to connect with yourself in a way that feels meaningful.
In this stage of life, spiritual wellness becomes less about belief and more about presence — being here, fully, in the moment.
Mindful Planning: What Really Matters Today?
When I open my planner, notebook, or phone, I’m not looking to cram my day with tasks. I’m simply looking for clarity.
I ask myself:
- What really needs my attention today?
- What can wait?
- What will move me forward?
- What will give me energy instead of draining it?
That last question has been the biggest shift for me.
When I was younger, I focused on productivity.
Now, I focus on meaning.
Some days what matters most is work.
Some days it’s learning something new.
Some days it’s taking a walk, lifting weights, or connecting with someone I care about.
And some days, it’s simply allowing myself to rest.
Mindful planning helps me set the tone for a steady, purposeful day instead of a rushed one.
Why Quiet Mornings Matter Even More in This Season of Life
When you’re in your 60s and beyond, mornings take on a different glow.
They’re not just the start of the day — they’re a reminder that you’ve been given another chance to live well, grow, and choose purpose again.
Quiet mornings remind me:
- I still have something to offer.
- I still have energy and direction.
- I still have room to grow.
- I still have time to make a difference.
- I still have the ability to create meaning in my life.
And when the rest of the world starts pulling me in every direction, the morning has already grounded me — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Choosing Gratitude, Choosing Calm, Choosing Purpose
People sometimes assume that the only way to slow down the aging process is through supplements, workouts, or retirement plans.
But I think the real secret is simpler:
Stay grounded.
Stay grateful.
And stay connected to what makes you feel alive.
For me, that starts with the quiet moments before the day takes over — the stillness, the sunrise, the simple routine that reminds me who I am and what I value.
That’s the heart of my morning practice.
And on the days when life feels rushed or heavy, I return to these small habits, because they never fail to bring me back to center.
Final Thought
“A quiet morning and a grateful heart can turn an ordinary day into a meaningful one.”
And that, in the end, is what keeps me grounded — not retiring from life, but choosing to live it with presence and purpose.